5 Ways to Prevent Joint Problems in Your Dog

Keep Your Dog's Joints in Good Condition

Joint pain is part of the aging process for both dogs and pet parents alike. Read up on some ways that could slow down and possibly prevent the onset of arthritis and other joint issues for your senior dog.

Joint problems are a common problem of aging dogs. Just like their owners, the wear and tear of a lifetime of use can injure and put strain on the joints. This can develop into arthritis. When the cartilage begins to degrade due to strain or injury, pain results and can make dogs reluctant to move.

Big dogs are more prone to developing arthritis because extra weight places more stress on the joints, but all dogs are at risk. Problems like hip dysplasia, even though present earlier, may not be obvious until dogs reach the age of six or seven. The hips, elbows and knees are the most common problem spots, but dogs are so stoic they almost never show signs until a lot of damage has been done. Typical signs are reluctance to climb stairs, trouble getting up after sleeping, and reluctance to exercise.

You can’t reverse joint disease but you can slow down the progression and often prevent some of the worst problems. Here are five ways to help keep your dog’s joints healthy.

Prevent Joint Injury

Arthritis almost always develops as a result of injury much earlier in life, even when your dog is a puppy. Over exercise, jumping too high, and running too hard before a puppy’s bones and joints are mature can injure the joints so supervise your young dog’s exercise routine.

Make Environmental Accommodations

Even adult dogs can hurt themselves by jumping on and off the sofa, for instance. Make it easier for your dogs to do what they love without risking injury. For example, provide a dog ramp so they can easily get into and out of the car without jumping, or offer them a footstool so they don’t have to risk the leap.

Treat Injuries Promptly

Veterinarians say it’s vital to treat any suspected injury as soon as possible to reduce or prevent joint problems as your dog ages. Dogs that suffer fractures from being hit by cars, for example, may need special treatment, forced rest or even surgical repair to help them properly heal.

Feed Appropriate Food

Large breed puppies can grow too fast and become too heavy for their immature joints. Adult dogs put on too much weight when overfed, and obesity adds strain to the joints and makes it painful to exercise. Choosing the correct diet or adding joint-supporting dietary supplements like Dasuquin, Cosequin, or Glyco-Flex (or any chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs supplement) can slow down the progression of arthritis or even prevent joint problems in your pets.

Keep Dogs Moving

Arthritis and joint problems develop into a vicious cycle. When it hurts to move, dogs stop exercising and so they gain more weight which puts increased stress on the joints. Exercise also “feeds” the joint by pumping natural lubrication into the area. Gentle exercise keeps joints limber and healthy, helps slim down pudgy dogs, and just helps them feel better. Joints stiffen after naps, so it can help to provide a heated bed or gentle massage each morning to get your dog limber before a walk.

The first dog I had experienced terrible joint problems. In the last year of his life, he was unable to walk or run without whimpering. My opinion is it has to do a lot with the food that they are fed and the amount. If they grow too fast, there bones aren't prepared to handle the weight. http://www.gulfportveterina...